Leveraging EO for Enhanced Disaster Risk Management in Morocco
Morocco’s efforts to enhance disaster risk management amidst increasing climate change impacts involve collaboration among the FSEC, World Bank, and ESA GDA Disaster Resilience. By developing advanced flood and exposure mapping technologies, the project produces valuable Building Type Classification maps that aid in assessing vulnerabilities and rebuilding costs, improving decision-making in disaster scenarios.
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Description
Morocco faces increasing climate-related disaster risks, particularly floods and earthquakes, which contribute significantly to social and economic losses. To strengthen disaster risk financing and preparedness, Morocco’s FSEC (Fonds de Solidarité contre les Événements Catastrophiques), the World Bank Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance (DRFI) programme, and the ESA GDA Disaster Resilience initiative are developing Earth Observation–based exposure and hazard maps.
Using satellite datasets such as the World Settlement Footprint, along with layers like building type classification, impervious surface mapping, and built-up height, the project identifies urban vulnerability and improves estimates of exposure to floods and earthquakes. These products support evidence-based financial planning and faster disaster response.
The maps have already demonstrated value in operational settings, including post-event assessment and response following the September 2023 Marrakesh–Safi earthquake.
You can read more about this Case Study on the GDA Impact Sphere: Assessing building damage after the Marrakesh–Safi earthquake to support rebuilding